Here are the best workout earbuds that:
- Stick in ears during workout
- Sound better than most
- Pack lots of useful features
- Resist water like champs
Compare them below.
We test and review headphones based on an independent 9-point methodology. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
| Rating | Price | Water protection | Connection | Battery (charging) | Mic & Controls | More info | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Jaybird Vista 2
Best overall
|
4.1
|
Under $200
|
IP68
|
Bluetooth 5.0
|
8 hours, 16h in case (USB-C & Qi Wireless)
|
 
|
|
|
Jabra Elite 7 Active
Runner-up
 
|
4.2
|
Under $160
|
IP57
|
Bluetooth 5.2
|
8 hours, 22h in case (USB-C & Qi Wireless)
|
|
|
|
Beats Fit Pro
Best Beats
 
|
4.6
|
Under $200
|
IPX4
|
Bluetooth 5.0 & H1 chip
|
6 hours, 18h in case (USB-C)
|
|
|
|
Bose Sport Earbuds
Best Bose
 
|
4.5
|
Under $170
|
IPX4
|
Bluetooth 5.1
|
5 hours, 10h in case (USB-C)
|
|
|
|
Shokz OpenRun (rebranded from AfterShokz Aeropex)
Best bone conduction
 
|
4.6
|
Under $160
|
IP67
|
Bluetooth 5.0
|
8 hours (proprietary)
|
|
|
|
Beats PowerBeats Pro
Best bass
 
|
4.6
|
Under $250
|
IPX4
|
Bluetooth 5.0 & H1 chip
|
11 hours, 24h in case (Lightning)
|
|
|
|
Sony WF-SP800N
Best Sony
 
|
4.2
|
Under $120
|
IP55
|
Bluetooth 5.0
|
13 hours, 13h in case (USB-C)
|
|
|
|
JBL Reflect Mini NC
Best bass
 
|
4.1
|
Under $100
|
IPX7
|
Bluetooth 5.0
|
7 hours, 14h in case (USB-C)
|
|
|
|
1MORE ComfoBuds Mini
Best earbuds under $100
 
|
4.1
|
Under $100
|
IPX5
|
Bluetooth 5.2
|
5 hours, 18h in case (USB-C & Qi Wireless)
|
|
|
|
Anker Soundcore Life A1
Best under $50
 
|
4.4
|
Under $50
|
IPX7
|
Bluetooth 5.0
|
9 hours, 15h in case (USB-C & Qi wireless)
|
|
|
|
TOZO OpenReal
Best air-conduction
 
|
4.7
|
Under $50
|
IPX8
|
Bluetooth 5.3
|
12 hours (proprietary charger)
|
|
Workout buds are compact and convenient for use on the move due to their small size. For this reason, fitness fanatics choose them to wear for gym sessions and other activities.
We’ve compared the best workout earbuds in this guide. You’ll find top choices for everything from weight lifting to running.
The options on the list all have features you should expect from the best workout earbuds, like water protection, a good fit that doesn’t annoy you, and an enjoyable sound.
Everyone’s workout needs are slightly different, so take a look at the top 10 options we recommend. You’re likely to find good choices for yourself.
LAST UPDATE: We added newer models relevant in 2022.
What Makes the Best Wireless Workout Earbuds?
Looking for great earbuds for working out is not just about finding the top earbuds on the market.
You need to think about your workout and the strain it will put on the buds.
Features you may not care about on the train or at home might be very important for your workouts or long runs.
- Fit: good workout earbuds always stay in your ears, no matter how much you shake your head. Winged and hooked designs are the best. Earbuds are usually better for vigorous workouts than on-ear headphones due to better stability.
- Sound quality: while audio quality isn’t of at most importance for working out, nobody wants to listen to muddy mess when lifting weights.
- Durability: when you’re running or in the gym, earbuds can fall on the floor or get squashed by everything in your gym bag. That’s why you need something durable for working out.
- Noise isolation: you want to be blocking out ambient noise if you’re in a noisy gym. However, if you need to hear outside noise such as traffic for your safety, get some other earbuds with less noise isolation.
- Battery life: a downside of having wireless functionality. If you can, opt for longer battery life and other features, like quick-charge capability.
- Waterproof protection: exercising means sweating. IPX (waterproof rating) will tell you how strong waterproof headphones are. About IPX4 and upwards is sweat-resistant.
Best Workout Earbuds
BEST WORKOUT EARBUDS OVERALL
1. Jaybird Vista 2
Best workout earbuds that sound excellent.
The new version of Jaybird flagship workout earbuds now offer many more features, from Qi-charging to ANC.
Connection:
Bluetooth 5.0
Driver size:
6mm
Frequency range:
20-20.000Hz
- Great sound for all music genres you can fully customize with EQ & presets
- They stay comfy and stable in your ears during activity, even when sweaty
- Can easily survive dust AND water, even submerging
- 8-hour+ battery provides convenience without worrying about charging
- Fully customize the earbuds to fit your needs in the companion app
- Removes background noise with ANC so you can focus on the workout
- Occasional connection stutters
- Annoying errors during firmware updates
Check the Jaybird Vista 2 sound test:
Right out of the box, they’re smooth and easy to listen to. By changing the EQ inside the app, you can make them either more lively and energetic or bring them to almost neutral levels.
Vista 2 are premium-feeling in-ear sport earbuds. Silicone wing tips and fins add extra security during movement.
Despite the not-so-tight seal, they isolate reasonably well and have a comfortable fit for long workout sessions.
You can continuously monitor the 8-hour battery with your phone. Turning on ANC reduces the playtime to 6 hours per charge. The charging case gives another 16 hours of juice.
Vista 2 have a water-resistant rating of IP68 and military-standard MIL-STD-810G, which makes them shockproof. This year, Jaybird even protected the charging case with an IP54 rating.
2. Jabra Elite 7 Active
RUNNER-UP WORKOUT EARBUDS
Balanced workout earbuds with ergonomic, comfy design.
The Elite 7 Active have a large selection of features, from ANC, ambient sound mode, and custom EQ.
Connection:
Bluetooth 5.2
Driver size:
6mm dynamic
Frequency range:
20-20.000Hz
- Natural sound that sound good for all music genres
- Comfortable fit you can wear for hours
- Decent ANC that removes background noise
- Feature-rich app with EQ, control customization and more
- Wind hurts the ANC
- Not the most secure fit out there
The Elite 7 Active have a well-balanced sound with an almost neutral sound signature. That is great for audio purists who want rich sound, but sportspeople might want a bit more oomph.
Thankfully, you can add the bass (or completely change the sound) inside the Jabra app, which also offers other great features.
You can customize music playback controls, adjust ANC and HearThrough feature, find the lost buds, and more.
Much like their predecessor, Jabra Elite Active 75t, these also rely on ergonomic design to keep them in place. They also share similar features.
Earbuds pack a good battery life of 8 hours per charge, with another 22 hours inside the charging case. The latter supports Qi wireless, fast charging, and USB-C.
3. Beats Fit Pro
BEST BEATS EARBUDS
The best workout earbuds from Beats.
The Fit Pro are one of the latest and completely redesigned Beats earbuds with active noise cancelation and a companion app for Android users.
Connection:
Bluetooth 5.0
Driver size:
9.5mm
Frequency range:
n/a
- Fun sound with a good bass punch
- Comfortable & stable fit: Suitable for sports and activity
- Good ANC performance that removes background noise
- Apple's Spatial Audio that recreates a life-like listening experience
- Many features not supported on Android
- No Qi wireless charging
With Beats Fit Pro, you get somewhat bright-sounding workout earbuds with an Adaptive EQ feature. The latter ensures a more consistent listening experience for all users.
Earbuds pack an H1 chip for seamless connectivity with Apple devices, and other exciting features, like Spatial Audio and head tracking (works with Apple Music). To get the most out of them on Android devices, they come with a Beats app.
These are essentially the Beats Studio Buds with ear fins. Fins are soft and latch into your earlobes, keeping earbuds from falling out.
Furthermore, they have ANC for reducing external sounds, Transparency mode, and an IPX4 rating.
Related: Best bass earbuds
4. Bose Sport Earbuds
BEST BOSE EARBUDS FOR SPORTS
Best workout earbuds from Bose.
Connection:
Bluetooth 5.1
Driver size:
n/a
Frequency range:
n/a
- Exceptional fit and comfort
- Great audio quality with controlled bass
- Massive soundstage (for an in-ear headphone)
- Sweatproof housing with an IPX4 rating
- Support for Bluetooth 5.1
- Good passive noise isolation
- A barebones mobile application without EQ
- Somewhat average battery life
- Lack of extra customizations
Bose knows how to make a punchy yet well-balanced sound profile that makes gym-goers happy. While the whole frequency spectrum is clean and detailed, the controlled bass stands out.
Thanks to big wing fins that latches into your ears, Bose Sport Earbuds provide great stability. It’s worth noting they’re on the bulky side, which can produce wind noise.
They’re comfortable to wear. StayHear Max tips rest in front of the ear canal, and while that hurts overall isolation, you can wear these for hours without noticing them.
Sweat is completely harmless due to an IPX4 rating, whereas Bluetooth 5.1 ensures optimal connection quality.
Earbuds can also connect with a companion app that, after some firmware updates, received features like volume adjustment. It’s worth noting that earbuds have a relatively shorter battery life compared to other pairs.
- You can also check out another option for the best noise cancelling earbuds.
5. AfterShokz Aeropex
BEST BONE CONDUCTION HEADPHONES
Best bone conduction earbuds.
The most important aspect is open-ear bone conduction technology. It’s great for working out outdoors, where you have to hear ambient sound.
Connection:
Bluetooth 5.0
Driver size:
Bone conduction transducer
Frequency range:
20-20.000Hz
- Stable fit for all types of sports
- Perfect environment awareness due to open-ear design
- Lightweight (almost 30% lighter than Air)
- Waterproof and dustproof (IP67)
- Good battery life (8 hours)
- Improved bass response from previous models
- Vibrating transducers might be annoying
- Sound quality is suffering (compared to regular earphones)
- Lack of bass
The sound fidelity is overall good, with a wide frequency response and a tailored bass boost (exceptional among the best bone conduction headphones).
The Aeropex weigh only 26g, which is incredibly lightweight, but they still don’t compromise on features. With up to eight hours of listening time, you can use them for a full day.
PremiumPitch 2+ technology ensures better sound, with improved bass response through bone vibration. Also, it lessens the vibration feel in your cheeks, which is annoying to some people.
A titanium-wrapped headband is designed to be extremely flexible and fit comfortably on all sorts of different ear shapes.
With IPX7 water-resistant design and a secure fit, you can use them as gym or running headphones.
6. Beats PowerBeats Pro
BEST BASS EARBUDS
The best workout earbuds if you like powerful bass.
Beats made superb workout earbuds with over-ear hooks that sound great, provide outstanding stability, and have an H1 chip for iPhone users.
Connection:
Bluetooth 5.0
Driver size:
12mm
Frequency range:
n/a
- Deep, punchy bass that energizes music (V-shaped signature)
- Great battery life with quick charging (we got over 11 hours out of them)
- Perfect stability for working out
- High build-quality and nice materials
- Sweatproof, but can’t be submerged
- Ear hooks rub against skin
- Pricey
- No way to turn them off without the charging case
Unboxing video of Beats PowerBeats Pro:
The bass-forward sound is controlled and makes your favorite tunes enjoyable. The midrange is slightly reduced, while the treble shows a significant amount of sparkle.
Construction on these is of high quality. Housing is made from hard plastic, with a matte black finish and ear hook design. The latter work exceptionally well at providing stability, even during jumping jacks, no matter the ear shape.
While you can’t wash them under a tap, they have no problem with excess sweat (IPX4 certification makes them sweat proof).
Even if your workout routines are long, PowerBeats Pro come with 11 hours of battery life per single charge.
To make their longevity even better, you get an additional 24 hours inside the case, while the ear buds themselves can quick charge.
7. Sony WF-SP800N
BEST FROM SONY
The best wireless workout earbuds with excellent battery life.
Sports workout earbuds with the same features as full-sized headphones, such as active noise-canceling that blocks external noise.
Connection:
Bluetooth 5.0
Driver size:
7mm
Frequency range:
n/a
- Fun sound
- Stability for sports
- Class-leading battery life
- Unreliable touch controls
Their stock sound isn’t the most amazing, but with customizable EQ inside a Sony Headphones Connect app, WF-SP800N can start to perform really well.
They even support premium and special features like 360 Reality Audio that boost the surround experience to selected audio tracks.
With an IP55 rating, you can rest assure that these earbuds can deal with both dust and big splashes of water.
Expect good overall comfort and stability due to ear fin design. If you’re at a gym, enabling ANC helps you block loud noises around you. Or, when you want to speak to someone, you can amplify the ambient sound.
With an impressive battery life of 13 hours per charge, which is more than in most earbuds, you also don’t have to worry about them dying in the middle of a workout session.
8. JBL Reflect Mini NC
BEST SPORTS EARBUDS UNDER $100
The best wireless workout earbuds under $100.
Great JBL workout earbuds that not only provide excellent stability but durability as well.
Connection:
Bluetooth 5.1
Driver size:
6mm
Frequency range:
20-20.000Hz
- Excellent sound quality (after EQ)
- Great stability during workouts
- Comfortable fit
- Stable Bluetooth 5.1 connection
- Companion app with custom EQ
- Durable build with an IPX7 rating
- Poor active noise cancellation performance
- Control customization could be better
Check the JBL Reflect Mini NC sound test:
JBL Reflect Mini NC have a very exciting sound, with punchy bass and sparkly treble. You can change the sound to your liking inside the JBL Headphones app.
The latter allows you to customize controls and toggle between ambient sound mode and ANC.
Unfortunately, the latter isn’t going to mute loud gym noises since it’s hardly working. At least you get up to seven hours long battery life, suitable for lengthy indoor and outdoor workouts.
Furthermore, Reflect Mini NC excel at providing excellent stability and a high level of durability.
Firstly, the earpiece sits in your ears thanks to multiple sizes of large ear fins. And secondly, they boast an IPX7 rating, making them fully submersible.
9. 1MORE ComfoBuds Mini
MOST COMFORTABLE EARBUDS UNDER $100
Great workout earbuds with ANC on a budget.
Connection:
Bluetooth 5.2
Driver size:
7mm dynamic
Frequency range:
n/a
- Balanced sound signature
- Outstanding comfort
- Stable fit
- Feature-packed app
- Great ANC & transparency mode performance
- Showerproof IPX5 rating
- ANC changes the sound for the worse
- No custom EQ
- Earbuds occasionally stop working
- Minor audio lag in videos
Check the 1MORE ComfoBuds Mini sound test:
The sound signature of the ComfoBuds Mini isn’t the punchiest out there, but the overall balanced and clear sound should pump you up with extra energy during workouts.
Earbuds sport an ergonomic design that prevents them from falling out during intense exercises. Also, they’re very comfortable and non-protruding, suitable for running and cycling, as well.
Moreover, buds are rated for IPX5, ensuring sweat can do them no harm. Since they’re so small and lightweight, earbuds shouldn’t break if they fall on the floor.
If you work out in a loud gym, ComfoBuds Mini also come with excellent active noise cancellation. Just be aware that it also makes the sound slightly worse.
Most Affordable Workout Earbuds
10. Anker Soundcore Life A1
BEST EARBUDS UNDER $50
The best true wireless in-ears under $50 for working out.
Anker Soundcore Life A1 are great TWS earbuds for a workout due to their secure fit, good noise isolation, and enjoyable sound (for cheap buds).
Anker Soundcore Life A1 review
Connection:
Bluetooth 5.0
Driver size:
8mm dynamic
Frequency range:
20-20.000Hz
- Good sound quality
- Fantastic comfort & stability
- Reliable Bluetooth connection
- Great battery life (more than 8h per charge)
- Usable physical controls with 3 EQ profiles
- Okay passive noise isolation
- Some audio delay when watching videos
Check the Anker Soundcore Life A1 sound test:
Soundcore Life A1 are V-shaped earbuds with great sound and a nicely balanced midrange. You can switch between 3 EQ listening modes to boost or reduce the bass. However, there isn’t a big difference.
Earbuds fit comfortably, thanks to the ergonomic design. Moreover, despite using physical buttons, the latter aren’t annoying to use and offer all the essential commands. Even for summoning Google Assistant for hands-free operation.
Buds securely latch onto your ears with the help of ear wings, so you can rest assured they aren’t going to fall out during a workout.
A high IPX7 rating makes them fully waterproof and more than capable of surviving the sweatiest workouts.
Another important factor is the battery life, which lasts for more than 8 hours on a single charge. The case holds another 26 hours and supports Qi wireless charging.
11. TOZO OpenReal
BEST AIR-CONDUCTION FOR WORKOUT
Affordable set of the best air-conduction headsets for workouts.
If you don’t like traditional Bluetooth earbuds, you might want to check out air-conduction technology instead.
Connection:
Bluetooth 5.3
Driver size:
16.2mm dynamic
Frequency range:
n/a
- Incredibly natural tuning, especially after EQ
- Ergonomic design for rock-solid stability
- Comfortable to wear & compatible with bike helmets
- Good battery duration of 12 hours per charge
- Exceptional Bluetooth indoor range of 65 feet
- Annoying proprietary charger with weak magnets
- No support for Bluetooth multipoint or Game mode
If you want workout earbuds that provide good sound and full awareness, OpenReal are a fantastic affordable choice. They don’t have that much bass, but you get excellent midrange and treble clarity without annoying sibilance.
The speakers hang in front of your ear canals so you can hear everything around you. That might not be the best pick for loud gyms, but if you’re exercising alone or outdoors, it’s a good feature to have.
Earbuds have an IPX8 rating, so you can easily wash the sweat off after every workout. You can even swim with them, although the Bluetooth doesn’t work underwater.
Battery lasts around 12 hours per charge, which is plenty enough for a few days of intense workouts.
Find more affordable buds in our best cheap earbuds guide.
Honorable Mentions
Jaybird Vista
Compared to the new ones (Vista 2), some useful features are missing. However, due to their much lower price tag, they’re still a compelling buy.
You still get excellent comfort, stability, and ruggedness, on top of a feature-rich app.
Jabra Elite Active 75t
For the longest time, they were among our top picks for the best workout earbuds.
They provide high IP57 water and dust resistance rating, an ambient sound mode for awareness so you can hear traffic, and plenty of extra features inside the Jabra app.
Jaybird X4
These lightweight buds are a good pair for anyone who wants that extra layer of control via an EQ app. Sound is still a key feature for the best workout earbuds.
Apple AirPods Pro
While the Pros aren’t the most suitable gym earbuds out there, it’s trendy among Apple users (due to the H1 chip).
AirPods Pro charge wirelessly or via Lightning cable, have a sweat resistance rating, stable Bluetooth connection, Transparency mode, and offer excellent call quality.
JBL Under Armour Flash X
Durable sport earbuds are one of the most important workout essentials. These are built rock-solid with an IPX7 rating, making them water and sweat-resistant.
Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro
Not really true wireless sports earbuds but a great pick nevertheless. Just be aware that they work best on Galaxy phones while lacking some features on iOS devices.
If you want to leave your ears open to hear the ambient noise, grab Samsung Galaxy Buds Live instead. They both have great microphone quality.
Skullcandy Indy ANC
The most expensive buds this brand has to offer, with a pretty bass-heavy sound and support for the Skullcandy app. They provide ANC, awareness mode, and some EQ settings.
Related:
Best waterproof headphones for swimming
How to Choose Earbuds for Working Out For You
There’s no way someone can recommend one set of earbuds for everyone. You need to consider your needs before you can make this decision.
What is Your Type of Earbuds?
Chances are you’ve decided on earbuds instead of on-ear headphones.
- In-ear headphones are lightweight and fit great.
- On-ears are the smaller type of “normal” headphones, but they aren’t suitable for fast movement. Also, ear cushions make your ears sweat more.
- Over-ear headphones aren’t good for exercise at all. They can be great for active noise canceling, and they can provide a full sound, but earbuds are usually far more convenient for exercise.
Buds are smaller, can comfortably fit with a wing or hook design, and aren’t likely to get in the way. Get more info on the subject of earbuds vs. headphones.
You can also check the earbuds vs. headphones guide.
Where are You Working Out?
Obviously, you can exercise in different places. However, it makes sense to base a lot of your decision on where you’ll be for most workouts.
- If you go to a noisy gym a lot, think about background noise isolation.
- If you exercise somewhere where there’s traffic, you need to hear it. So go for situational awareness instead of background noise isolation. For instance, bone conduction headphones don’t block your ear canals and let you be aware of your surroundings perfectly.
- If you exercise outside, even in the rain, fully waterproof functionality is a must for your buying decision.
- Running requires a great fit than just lifting weights in the gym. Ear wings and hooks help with stability.
Wireless or Wired?
Even the wire from best wired workout headphones gets in the way. If you’re using equipment in the gym, this can be particularly annoying. Many people like to tuck their wires under their clothes, but this can cause chaffing.
Instead of wireless earbuds, which don’t have a cable leading to the device, you can opt for true wireless buds (TWS).
What is Your Budget?
You don’t have to buy the best workout earbuds, which are usually the most expensive options on the market. You can often get by with paying a lower price and getting a great value pair of earbuds.
Here’s a general price range to consider:
- $100-$200: high-end workout earbuds, wireless and true wireless
- $50-$100: mid-range where you can expect better value for money but fewer features and customization
- under $50: low-end sports earbuds that come with basic features
One exception are TWS earbuds, where you get a lot for significantly less money. Budget models start at the $50-$100 range.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I keep earbuds from falling out?
Make sure they’re on the correct side (left and right orientation). Try out included accessories like different ear tips and stabilizing hooks. If earbuds have cables, try wiring them over your ears to distribute the weight.
Ear hygiene can also interfere when creating an airtight seal. Earwax and sweat can make the ear canal slippery, so make sure you clean it regularly.
Find all the answers on how to keep earbuds from falling out.
Can you shower with wireless earbuds?
You can shower with wireless earbuds that have at least an IPX6 rating. They can resist a shower or heavy rain. However, not all earbuds are made to use in water.
If you want to use earbuds near or in water, pick headphones for swimming instead. They’re specially designed to keep the water out while retaining decent sound quality. There are also some cool waterproof MP3s to choose from.
Can I workout with AirPods?
Depends. While regular Apple AirPods don’t offer any water protection whatsoever, AirPods Pro have an IP rating of IPX4. That means they’re sweat-resistant and can survive sweaty workouts and light splashes of water. Keep in mind that Apple AirPods Pro can lose grip once you get sweaty, so they might accidentally fall out of your ears.
What are the most comfortable workout earbuds?
Some of the most comfortable workout earbuds are from Bose, Jabra, and Jaybird.
Look for ergonomically shaped earbuds with ear wings for better stability.
Why do earbuds always fall out?
Many things can cause earbuds to fall out. You might be using the wrong ear tip size, have earbuds with an non-ergonomic design, or might have too much earwax in your ears.
Sometimes the actual ear tips become slippery when sweaty, like in the case of Apple AirPods Pro.
Ben Jacklin is a musician and has a qualification in music technology. He plays a guitar and bass and teaches others how to play.
He’s tested different musical equipment, including headphones that he uses during his work.
